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School Nurse

WCHS/DSMS/WCTC School Nursing Services

Our School Nursing Services are responsible for strengthening and facilitating the education process by improving and protecting the health status of children by identifying and assisting in the removal or modification of health related barriers to learning and teaching process for individual students. Our School Nurse is especially prepared and uniquely qualified in preventive health, health assessment, and referral procedures. School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being academic success and life long achievement of students. Identification of health barriers is crucial to the provision of an appropriate education plan for every student.

Services provided by School Nurse

Many students come to school with various health needs that may interfere with their ability to learn and reach their full potential. Infections, injuries, asthma, diabetes, allergies, and emotional difficulties related to these health conditions may lead to absences from school and, in some cases, academic failure if left unattended or not addressed properly. The school nurse is a committed and proactive partner in ensuring that students have a safe environment, are healthy, and prepared to learn.

School Nurses provide instruction for:
Dental Health 
Hand washing / Universal Precautions 
Food Allergy Awareness 
Puberty / HIV / AIDS 
Other health related topics for specific grade levels

School Nurses provide student screenings for: 
Scoliosis, Hearing, Vision, Dental, Common Infectious Diseases

Examples of special health needs are:
Tube Feedings, Tracheotomy Care, Diabetic Maintenance, Catheter Care, Injectable Medications, Oxygen Administration, Seizure Control / Precautions, Nutritional Support, Gait Support, Psychological / Sociological

Athletes: Our School offers athletes excellent opportunities to compete and improve skill level with quality coaching and supervision. Students are required to complete a consent and physical exam form prior to trying out. This is required for each school year. May 1st of the current year through June 30th of the succeeding year. (Student athlete form)       (Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form)

  • School personnel cannot administer ANY medication until a form, signed by the parent is on file in the clinic of the school. 

    ALL medication, prescription and over-the-counter (i.e., Tylenol, Advil, Cough Drops, etc.) need a signed medical form prior to being brought to the school. It also MUST be in the original container and kept in the clinic.

     Please read all guidelines and print form.
  • What is scoliosis?
    Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. As it curves, the spine also rotates. It usually develops in children between 10 and 13 years of age and affects girls more than boys.

    Learn more...
  • (MRSA) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus  is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans.

    Parent tip-sheet...
  • Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Age 0 Through 18 from CDC.gov.
    View more...
  • The Jessica Elkins Act (SB0075, Act #2014-274) requires local school systems to provide meningococcal disease and vaccine information to parents of sixth through twelfth grade students. Download the ADPH Meningococcal Flyer for Schools.
  • The COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REFERENCE CHART explains symptoms and has recommendations for a better understanding of common diseases.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) Vaccine - What You Need to Know

    Visit website...
  • Head lice are not dangerous. They do not transmit disease, but they do spread easily, making it a community issue. Additionally, despite what you might have heard, head lice often infest people with good hygiene and grooming habits. 

    Your family, friends or community may experience head lice. It’s important to know some basics, including how to recognize symptoms and what to do if faced with an infestation.

    Head Lice 101...
    or
    An overview for Parents & Teachers...
  • It is always a good time to remind your children about good hand washing, coughing into their sleeve, and keeping their hands away from their mouth, nose, and eyes.

DISCLAIMER: School nurses do not take the place of a doctor. None of the information provided on this website is meant to replace a doctor. Every student should have their own health care provider. The information on this website is meant for informational purposes only. School nurses are not responsible for anyone who does not follow the advice of their own physician or health care provider.

Is my child too ill to attend school?

Parents are often confronted with this decision when their child complains of not feeling well. The guidelines shown on the inside of this brochure may be helpful. It will not cover every medical condition and does not take the place of seeking medical attention. Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice.

Fever - 100 degrees or higher - A fever is a sign of illness. A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher should not attend school. The child should be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school.

Sore Throat/Colds/Cough - Minor cold symptoms are common and usually don't interfere with school attendance. A persistent, frequent cough and/or constant nasal drainage may affect your child's performance at school, and he/she may be more comfortable at home.

Rash - A rash may cover the entire body or only one area. A child that has a rash that is draining, has open areas or is causing the child to itch excessively should not attend school. A rash accompanied with other symptoms such as: a fever, sore throat, irritability, vomiting, etc. should not attend school.

 Vomiting/Diarrhea - A child who has vomited should wait 24 hours and be able to retain solid foods before returning to school. A child who is having frequent diarrhea stools should not attend school. If there is cramping/abdominal pain with diarrhea, the student may be more comfortable at home.